On Saturday, May 18th, we had our first-ever Free Arts Day in Pima County at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. The day was filled with fun activities, learning opportunities, and creativity, and it was a joy to see the children engage with the natural world around them.
One of the highlights of the day was the guided garden tour. Participants had the chance to explore the beautiful gardens, including the butterfly garden, and were encouraged to use all their senses to experience the natural world around them.
Back in the classroom, horticulture therapist, Phillippa, showed participants how to use a variety of plant cuttings from the garden to create cyanotype prints. The art project was a big hit, and it was wonderful to see everyone fully engaged in the creative process.
After putting the prints in the sun to develop, we brought them inside and delved into a science project that involved immersing the plant prints in water and hydrogen peroxide. Watching the images slowly come to life was a mesmerizing experience for the participants.
The day continued with an art session where the participants learned about flower pressing and had the opportunity to create their own pressed flower window hangings. It was inspiring to see their imagination and creativity at work.
As the day wrapped up, the participants presented their projects to the group and shared their thoughts, highlighting the unique and beautiful aspects of each other’s work. It was a heartwarming moment to see the pride and joy on the faces of the children as they showcased their creations.
Thanks to the Tucson Botanical Gardens and their amazing horticulture therapist, it was a day filled with learning, creativity, and joy! We are looking forward to more Pima County Free Arts Days in the future.
